If we are to reform the police, we must reform other aspects of society along with it because the police as it exists today in all of its functions did not arise in a vacuum or on its own. However, there are many factors that these ideas often miss, and I believe it is important to address them in a concise manner. Whether that be “Defund the Police”, “Abolish the Police” or “Reform the Police”, there is a general desire to throw away the old and bring in the new.
It would be disastrous for communities as well as affect the lives of many hard-working, reliable police officers.For the past few weeks, there have been many attention-grabbing headlines and sound bites that concern reform of the police in the United States. Defunding the police is not the best strategy for law enforcement reform. The police should be given credit for the work they do in communities and towns all over. The police are currently on its way to changing for the better and we must acknowledge their efforts. Many police stations across the country are recognizing that their methods need change and are adapting to new procedures. They are changing their methods and are trying to use less extreme methods against riots and aggressive mobs. With these new types of training, police will be able to handle situations better than ever when they arise. These reformations are important in leading the police to a better future. Training includes crisis intervention, de-escalation, and more that would allow police to handle situations better. In said cities, police are getting retrained in different ways. In major cities around the United States, the police system is evolving. In July 2020, the NYPD found that there was a 177 percent increase in shooting incidents in all five Boroughs of New York, and a 59 percent increase in murders, another 31 percent more robberies, and finally another 53 percent auto theft statewide. In New York, the police budget was cut by nearly $1 billion. Many states such as New York have already moved forward in defunding the police. Policing accomplishes two important jobs at once: it provides many jobs and keeps many communities safe. Due to budget cuts, many police are going to end up unemployed or even homeless. Another disadvantage of defunding the police is unemployment. We are already accustomed to calling 911 and if the police are not present, this service would be nonexistent. The effects would reach the poor and wealthy cities all over the country. Many police stations are already short-staffed and defunding the police would make many communities unsafe. Police have saved many lives in the form of flagging drunk drivers, rescuing children from abusive families, arresting people with illegal firearms, etc. Besides mentioning the lives police have killed, we need to consider how many lives police have saved. This, in turn, would result in the crime rate skyrocketing. Defunding the police would delay the response of law enforcement officers. Police are the first responders and respond to both serious and minor crimes. However, just because there are very appealing benefits, we must also consider what the consequences would be should we defund the police.ĭefunding the police would be a disastrous move to many communities.
Many of the funds from police budget cuts would go to causes such as drug addiction, hiring practices, etc. Some argue that this will be beneficial to communities as well as help marginalized people. Although the police may need major reform and new protocols, this does not mean that we should defund them.Įssentially, defunding the police is reallocating funds that were meant to be used by police forces to other government agencies or noble causes. In a poll done by ABC, 34% of Americans agree that we should defund the police, while 64% of Americans think we should not. However, most would argue that defunding the police will not do anything. Some may argue that defunding the police may be beneficial to America and stop numerous acts of injustice. The debate has sparked national conflict with both sides constantly at each other’s throats. Defunding the police has been a contentious topic all over the world ever since the tragic deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.